This Month in HANC History (September 2017)

One year ago: Our September, 2016 meeting focused on Panhandle Improvements and on local ballot measures for the November, 2016 elections. The pedestrian path still had not yet been re-paved. Ann Baskerville has since been replaced as project manager for the Panhandle Improvement Project by Melinda Stockman. Although in many ways the election was a disaster, the Haight-Ashbury voted with HANC’s recommendations. September, 2016 also saw the beginning of construction on Masonic Avenue.

Five years ago: Once again, in September, 2012, we were preparing for an election. HANC was a co-sponsor of the District 5 Supervisor candidate debate. HANC advocated for Proposition C (Housing Trust Fund) and for Proposition E (Gross Receipts Business Tax), which both passed. We reported on the failure of 2010’s Sit-Lie law. We were still operating our recycling center, native plant nursery, and community garden.

Ten years ago: In September, 2007, HANC opposed the proposed development at 690 Stanyan (now Whole Foods). The proposal called for a total of seven floors—three floors of underground parking with 176 spaces, and 62 market rate condos (along with 7 below market rate condos) in three floors above the proposed grocery store. The Planning Commission approved the proposal, but the plans changed to the present configuration after the recession made financing difficult. We were also planning for another local election. HANC supported Proposition A, which directed MUNI to reduce carbon emissions, and opposed Proposition H, which provided that private parking should take precedence over other uses of the street. Proposition A won, and Proposition H lost in November.

Twenty-five years ago: In September, 1992, HANC discussed the city budget with Supervisor Terence Hallinan, City Librarian Kenneth Dowlin, and community activists. Several speakers mentioned the need to generate additional revenue (with an increase to the hotel tax). HANC honored the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic for its 25 years of service to the community. HANC also withdrew from the Coalition of the Haight Ashbury Community (CHAC), because HANC was being used to create the appearance of unanimous neighborhood support for positions which HANC did not support, such as a punitive approach to substance abuse and a proposal to close Alvord Lake overnight. HANC also made its endorsements for local ballot measures for the November, 1992 election.

Fifty years ago: HANC published its draft Housing Policy. We urged 1) That a moratorium be placed on all programs that displace the poor; 2) That local authorities discard code enforcement as the only way to halt “blight; 3) That the City stop and judge the reasonableness of its codes; 4) That no San Francisco applications for Survey and Planning funds be submitted to the Federal government until there is meaningful involvement of the subject neighborhood in the planning process; 5) That unified planning of solutions to housing problems start now; and 6) That local and state fair housing programs be enforced and implemented in all neighborhoods of San Francisco. We invited the newly appointed Planning Director, Allan B. Jacobs, to speak at our September meeting. HANC supported the Haight Straight Theater’s request for a dance permit at its Board of Permit Appeals hearing. HANC announced a $2.00 dinner at Connie’s, with proceeds to go to the Hamilton Youth Center.